My answers to BSF Bible Study Questions on John Lesson 24 Day 2

Jesus—betrayed, arrested, and tried before Jewish authorities.

3. No greater love

Even though Jesus knew of Judas’ evil plot, he crossed the Kidron Valley with his disciples and entered a grove of olive trees—a place Judas knew because they often went there together.

When Judas, a contingent of Roman soldiers, and Temple guards arrived with torches, lanterns, and weapons, Jesus didn’t hide. He went right up to them and asked, “Who are you looking for?” When they replied, “Jesus, the Nazarene,” Jesus answered, “I am.”

Jesus didn’t resist or defend himself. Nor did he send for 72,000 angels.

Jesus wasn’t there alone. His eleven disciples were there, armed with two swords.

But Jesus didn’t hide, run, resist, or ask the disciples to defend him. Instead, he surrendered, asking the soldiers to let his disciples go.

When Peter pulled the sword to defend Jesus, Jesus told him to put it away saying, “Put your sword back into its sheath. Shall I not drink from the cup of suffering the Father has given me?” (Quotes from NLT)

Personal response—The following verses came to mind:

“We know what true love looks like because of Jesus. He gave His life for us, and He calls us to give our lives for our brothers and sisters.” 1 John 3:16 Voice

“My life cannot be taken away by anybody else; I am giving it of My own free will. My authority allows Me to give My life and to take it again. All this has been commanded by My Father.” John 10:18 Voice

“No one has greater love [nor stronger commitment] than to lay down his own life for his friends.”John 15:13 (AMP)

4. According to the fixed purpose and settled plan of God

“I haven’t been hard to find—each day I’ve been in the temple in broad daylight, and you never tried to seize Me there. But this is your time—night—and this is your power—the power of darkness.” Luke 22:53 (Voice)

Jesus was “handed over [to the Roman authorities] according to the predetermined decision and foreknowledge of God, you nailed to a cross and put to death by the hands of lawless and godless men.” Acts 2:23 (AMP) The older Amplified version says, “according to the definite and fixed purpose and settled plan”. (emphasis added)

5. I am.

(The word “he” isn’t in the Greek text.)

On the surface these words simply identified Jesus in terms of His Galilean hometown. Just as the other “I am” sayings in John, however, this one also revealed Jesus as God. This explains the impact of his words on the troops, who are involuntarily smitten by this momentary unleashing of his inherent power as God. (Note in Spirit Filled Life Bible)

One commentary claims there is no evidence to support an assumption that this was a supernatural event. So, 600* men all fell backward to the ground at the same time because due to surprise?
I think the latter assumption requires more supposition.

Luke includes what happened after Simon Peter chopped off the servant’s ear. Jesus touched the ear and healed him.

Personal encouragement:

Divine protection: I’m encouraged by the way Jesus protected his own.

Omnipotence: Jesus wasn’t only brave, he was clearly in charge of the situation.

All powerful: He demonstrated his own power by rendering 600 men powerless.

Obedience and humility: Jesus demonstrated humble obedience and love for the Father. He carried out the Father’s plan.

God’s love: Jesus laid down his life for us. God loved the world so much he allowed his only Son to suffer an excruciating and humiliating death.

Small details: Jesus cared about his enemy’s ear and took the time to restore it.

*The Greek word used for “band” of soldiers is “SPEIRA,” and it denotes “a larger body of men, a cohort, about 600 infantry, commanded by a tribune” (Vine’s Expository Dictionary).

MY answers — not THE answers — to BSF study questions on John Lesson 24 Day 2 ~ John 18:1-27

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